So, you bought yourself a pair of cowboy boots that you can dye to match your favorite show outfit, and now you’re wondering how to dye them. You’ve come to the right place. With the right tools, you can create a unique and personalized look to make your boots stand out in the show ring. In this post, we'll walk you through what you need and the steps to dye your cowboy boots.
Items Needed to Dye Your Cowboy Boots
In order to successfully dye your boots, there are 5 items you need:
- Dyeable Boots: You can conveniently dye the Ferrini Ladies Dyeable Square Toe White Western Boots to match any of your favorite show outfits!
- Cleaner / Deglazer: This product is essential in stripping the factory finish (such as oils, wax, and silicone) from your shoes before you apply your paint or dye. We'd recommend using a solvent such as acetone, isopropyl alcohol, or ethanol.
- Leather Dye: These dyes are specifically formulated to stain leather permanently while conditioning it to create a deep and highly pigmented finish. Angelus Leather Dyes come in 3 oz. bottles, in a variety of popular colors, or Leather Paints. These items can usually be found on Amazon.
- Shoe Cream and/or Wax Polish: Keep your dyed shoes looking spiffy, and water-resistant by polishing them regularly. Ultra® Leather Conditioner will hydrate and condition leather after the cleaning process.
- Applicators: A soft cloth or wool dauber (preferred) is an excellent way to apply your dye or paint.
6 Steps to Dye Your Cowboy Boots
- Prep Your Boots
- Dampen the Leather
- Apply the Dye
- Allow Your Boots to Dry
- Apply Leather Conditioner
- Polish Your Boots
The first step is to clean your boots thoroughly with a cleaner or deglaze. This will remove any oils, wax, or silicone that may be present on the surface of your boots. We recommend using a solvent such as acetone, isopropyl alcohol, or ethanol. Apply the cleaner with a soft cloth or sponge, and make sure to cover all areas of the boots. Allow a few minutes for the boots to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Using a spray bottle filled with water, dampen the leather on your boots. Be sure not to oversaturate the leather, but make sure it is evenly damp. This will help the dye to penetrate the leather more evenly.
Using a wool dauber or soft cloth, apply the dye evenly to the boots. Start with thin coats and build up the color gradually. Be sure to cover all areas of the boots, including the seams and crevices. You can use Leather Dye, formulated specifically for leather, and will create a deep, highly pigmented finish. Alternatively, you can use Leather Paints, which come in various popular colors and can be found on Amazon.
Once you have applied the first coat of dye, allow your boots to air dry naturally. This will usually take a few hours. If necessary, apply a second coat of dye to achieve the desired color.
After your boots have dried completely, apply a leather conditioner to nourish and moisturize the leather. This will help to prevent cracking and fading over time. Apply a small amount of conditioner to a soft cloth and rub it into the leather in circular motions. Allow the conditioner to soak in a few minutes before buffing the boots with a clean, dry cloth.
To keep your newly dyed cowboy boots looking spiffy and water-resistant, polish them regularly with shoe cream or wax polish. This will help to protect the leather from scuffs and scratches and keep them looking like new.
In conclusion, dyeing your cowboy boots is a fun and easy way to give them a fresh new look. With a few simple tools and some patience, you can achieve a deep, highly-pigmented finish that will last for years to come. So grab your cowboy boots, and start dyeing!
